Effects of air-to-pulp ratio and bias factor on flotation of complex cu-zn sulphide ore in the Jameson cell

The air-to-pulp ratio and bias factor are important operating parameters in the Jameson flotation cell. These parameters have significant effect on micro-events taking place between particles and bubbles in flotation, and hence on flotation performance. In this study, the possibilities of obtaining a Cu-Zn rich bulk concentrate from complex sulphide ore from the Cayeli region (Turkey) were investigated using the lab-scale Jameson cell. The effect of air-to-pulp ratio and bias factor on flotation recovery were also studied. The ore has problematic flotation behaviour due to very fine liberation size and oxidation. The results showed that the Cu-Zn rich bulk concentrate can be obtained from the ore with satisfactory grade and recovery. It was determined that the air-to-pulp ratio and bias factor have significant effect on the flotation recovery. The optimum values of air-to-pulp ratio and bias factor in flotation of rather fine sized minerals were determined to be within the range of 1-1.5 and 0.70-0.95, respectively.